By contrast, budget office says, Ottawa is on pace to eliminate federal debt in 35 years

Health care protesters march outside the hotel at the summer meeting of Canada's premiers in St. John's last week. A new report by the federal budget watchdog comes than a week after the premiers urged Ottawa to boost federal health-care funding to cover at least 25 per cent of all health spending. (Andrew Vaughan/CANADIAN PRESS)

A new report is warning that the net debt of the country's provinces, territories and municipalities is on an unsustainable path with health spending set to accelerate along with the aging population.

The parliamentary budget office estimates the net debt of these subnational governments will climb above 200 per cent of the gross domestic product in 75 years unless steps are taken to ease the burden — such as increasing federal health transfers.

The federal budget watchdog says by contrast, Ottawa's books are on a sustainable path and that its net debt is set to be eliminated in 35 years.

The annual report comes out less than a week after Canada's premiers urged Ottawa to boost federal health-care funding so that it covers at least 25 per cent of all health spending by the provinces and territories.

The document says the provinces, territories and cities can get back on a sustainable trajectory by adding a total of $28 billion to their bottom lines this year through options such as higher federal transfers, reduced program spending or increased revenues.

The analysis also found recent policy changes such as the increased universal child care benefit and the expanded limit on tax-free savings accounts will have little impact on the federal government's bottom line over the long term.

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.